Shower bath spray head



J. FRASER SHOWER BATH SPRAY HEAD Filed NOV. 14, 19.30

H N M T T A May 8, 1934.

Patented May 8, 1934 seowsn BATH SPRAY HEAD James Fraser, Hillcrest,Edge Mic-er, Del, as

signer to Speakman Company, Wilmington, DeL, a corporation of DelawareApplication November 14, 1930, Serial No. 495,685

10 Claims.

My present invention relates to the construction and mode of use ofspraying devices primarily adapted for use in shower baths. Spray headsof this character heretofore in use have been generally characterized bya multiplicity of small discharge orifices or apertures, usually severalhundred in number and each a few hundreds of an inch in diameter,distributed over a major portion of the area of a plate forming thedischarge side of the spray head. One objectionable feature in a sprayhead of this type is that after it has been in use for any considerableperiod of time, it is frequently found that many of the dischargeorifices are wholly or partially clogged by sand or other foreign mattercarried into the shower head with the water. Such deposits tend toaccumulate on the inner side of the apertured face plate and in theorifices and when present, substantially lower the efiectiveness of theshower head. Another and more important objection able feature of suchprior constructions is that the character of the spray discharged fromthe spray head cannot be varied by the user. Since the variousindividuals using the shower bath often prefer different shower forcesand volumes and no such variation being usually possible in such priorconstructions, complete satisfaction with such spray heads by all theusers is impossible.

The general object of my present invention is to provide an improvedconstruction of a shower bath spray head. A more specific object of myinvention is the provision of a shower bath spray head having amultiplicity of discharge orifices, the aggregate cross-sectional areaof which may be varied to vary the shower force and volume in accordancewith the desires of the user. A further specific object is the provisionof a simple and effective manually operated control mechanism forrendering the individual orifices wholly or-partly efiective orineffective and thereby effecting the desired regulation. Another objectis the provision of a shower bath spray head having a control mechanism,the operation of which requires no careful adjustment by the user insecuring a particular desired variation'in character of the spray. Stillanother object is the provision of a control mechanism which in itsopera tion materially aids in the removal of undesirable deposits on theinner side of the apertured face plate.

1 The various features of novelty which characterize my invention arepointed out with particularity in the claims annexed to and forming apart of this specification. For a better understanding of the invention,however, and the advantages possessed by it reference should be had tothe accompanying drawing and descriptive matter in which I haveillustrated and described preferred embodiments of the invention.

Of the drawing:

Fig. l is a sectional elevation of one form of my invention;

Fig. 2 is a bottom View of the form illustrated in Fig. 1 with certainparts broken away and in section;

Figs. 3 and 4 are views similar to Fig. 2 of modified forms;

Fig. 5 is a sectional elevation of still another modification; and

Fig. 6 is a bottom view of the form illustrated in Fig. 5.

In the form of my invention illustrated inFigs. 5 1 and 2, A representsa shower head shell or casing of the conventional bell shape andthreaded at its normally upper or inlet end for attachment to a watersupply pipe or nipple B. At the expanded and normally lower end thereof,the cas- 6 ing is preferably formed with a depending circumferentialflange A, which is externally threaded for attachment to an uprisinginternally threaded circumferential flange C formed on a separablecircular plate C, which forms the discharge wall of the shell. A rubberwasher D is arranged between the contacting portions of the casing andface plate to insure a fluid-tight engagement between these parts. Theportion of the face plate area included within the periphery of theflange A is formed with a multiplicity of discharge orifices E, throughwhich the water entering the casing A passes out in the form of a spray.The peripheral portion of the face plate extends downwardly andoutwardly as shown at C In accordance with my present invention,provisions are made for varying the aggregate crosssectional area of thedischarge orifices E. This makes it possible to vary the total volume ofma discharge and in some cases to vary the size and intensity of theindividual spray jets. In the preferred arrangements illustrated, thedischarge orifices are not of uniform area and distributed in the usualmanner but are so proportioned and distributed over the area of the faceplate that by the use of suitable control provisions, the character ofthe spray discharged may be varied in accordance with the desires of theuser. For example, in the construction illustrated in Figs. 110

rigidly mounted on the post.

periphery of the face plate.

1 and 2, the orifices E are arranged in groups E and E with the orificesin each group similar but with the orifices of adjacent groups differingin the character of the jets which they develop. In this construction,the orifices in group E are of substantially greater cross-sectionalarea and fewer in number than the orifices in group E The dischargearea-of the face plate is divided into twelve equal sectors. The orificegroups of one kind are arranged in every other sector with the groups ofthe other kind arranged in the intervening sectors. The orifices of eachgroup are preferably symmetrically spaced rel ative to the radial centerline of the corresponding sector.

With this arrangement of the discharge orifices, it will be readilyunderstood that if the orifices of either kind are rendered wholly orpartly ineifective by the operation of suitable control provisions thatthe character of the'spray discharged will be different from thatdeveloped by the simultaneous use of all of the orifice groups.

My provisions for regulating the character of the spray dischargedpreferably consist of a fiow obstructing member F having a central postF rotatably mounted in a central opening 0 formed in the face plate C.At the upper or inner side of the face plate a plurality of fiatsectoral vane or blade members F are The blades F are six in number andangular-1y spaced relative to the face plate with their under sidessubstantially in contact with the inner side of the face plate. Thenumber of flow obstructing blades is thus one-half the number of sectorsof the face plate which contain the discharge orifices. The :blades areso proportioned that each covers an area corresponding to one aperturedsector of the face plate.

The post F is formed with a lower portion F projecting below the underor outer side of the face plate and preferably of square or an .gularcross section to provide a secure connec tion with a correspondinglyshaped eye G at one end of a handle G, which, as shown in Fig. 2,extends radially from the post towards the A metallic washer F and ascrew F cooperate in holding the flow obstructing member and handle intheir proper positions relative to the face plate.

With the foregoing construction, the flow obstructingmember F may bepartly rotated to provide a spray discharge through the orifice groups Eor E only orthrough some of the orifices in groups E and parts of theorifices in groups E. In the first case, the discharge spray will besubstantially a needle shower; in the second, the spray will have agreater force and volume; and in any intermediate positions the spraywill vary in force and volume between the first and second extremes. Therate of change in the character of the spray discharged will depend uponthe rate of angular movement of the flow obstructing member.

With the described formation of the discharge orifices and fiowobstructing member, means are preferably provided for limiting theangular movements of the flow obstructing member. In

. :the present embodiment this movement is restricted to the angulardistance occupied by one group of orifices. For this purpose, a post His mounted on the inner side of the face plate between two of the bladesF and on the radial line of separation of adjacent orifice groups. Whenone of these blades F is in contact therewith, all of the orifice groupsE will be rendered ineffective and only the orifice groups E in effect.In the other extreme position of the flow obstructing member, all of thegroups of orifices E will be closed and only the orifice groups Eeffective. Since the sprays discharged in the limit positions are quitedistinct in character, the use of the stop means will enable a user toeasily and accurately make such adjustments.

As shown in Fig. 2, the two blades of the flow obstructing member whichare arranged to corn tact with the stop H, are formed with a smallcurved notch F at the point of contact in their contacting edge toefiect the entire angular movement required for the desired regulationand which would be otherwise incomplete with the stop member in thisposition.

Most of the material depositing on the inner face of the face plate willbe moved during the various operations of the flow obstructing membertowards the groups of larger discharge openings and pass outtherethrough. The shower head construction described moreover permitsthe face plate to be easily and quickly removed from the casing forinspection and further cleaning if required, without disrupting thecontrol provisions.

In the modification illustrated in Fig. 3, the groups of orifices EA areall of the same character with the orifices in each group varying incross sectional area. All of the area of the face plate CA is notoccupied, and the groups are preferably separated by sectorssubstantially, but not quite, as large .as those occupied by the orificegroups. In this construction the orifices EA are diamond shaped. Theindividual orifices of each group gradually decrease in Width and-crosssec tional area from the .periphery towards the center of the faceplate. Eight such groups are shown and the flow obstructing member FA iseight bladed in this form. The flow obstructing member is otherwisesimilar in construction to that shown in Figs. 1 and 2. The blades FAand the orifices .EA are so relatively proportioned in width that whenin one extreme position of the fiow obstructing member the radial centerline of each blade will coincide with the centerline of a correspondinggroup of orifices with only the apex portions of the acute angle ends ofeach orifice extending slightly beyond the side edges of thecorresponding blade so that a fine spray will be discharged from theshower head when the fiow obstructing member is in this position. AS theflow obstructing member is moved toward its other limit position, moreand more of the discharge area of the orifices will be renderedeffective until in its limit position in that direction, substantiallythe whole cross-sectional area of all of the orifices is effective withonly the formerly effective apex portions of the orifices covered by theblades.

In the modification illustrated in Fig. 4, the individual orifices EBare in the form of isosceles triangles with the base line of theorifices of each group coinciding with a radius of the face plate CB.The apices of all of the triangles pref 4 erably point in the sameangular direction. The groups of orifices in this form are greater innum her than those of Fig. 3 but occupy less area and are not as widelyspaced apart. As in Fig. 3, the orifices in each group while of the sameform, gradually decrease in cross-sectional area towards their innerend. The flow obstructing member FB is of the same general character asthat shownin the previous -fi'gures,'--differing therefrom only in thenumber of blades. v Due to the relatively small angular movementrequired in this embodiment, the movement limiting means may consist ofastop member HB positioned within an opening F13 in the flow obstructingmember FB which is sufficiently large to permit a limited. angularmovement of the flow obstructing member relative to the face plate. 7 1

With this arrangement and the parts properly proportioned, in oneextreme position of the fiow obstructing member FB, the apex portions ofthe orifices will extend slightly beyond the corresponding side edge ofthe blades F13 to provide a fine spray. On a clockwise movement of theflow obstructing member, the effective cross sectional area of eachorifice will be gradually increased until the other extreme position isreached, at which point substantially the whole cross sectional area ofeach orifice EB will be effective.

In the modification illustrated in Fig. 5, the,

nipple B is provided with a tubular extension B threaded on the lowerend thereof and provided with ports 13 opening to the shower casing ACadjacent its lower end. In this construction the casing AC is integrallyformed with the face plate CC and adapted to be angularly moved relativeto a stationary flow obstructing member FC. As shown, the flowobstructing member is carried by the lower end of the extension B. Asleeve AC formed within the casing AC is rotatably mounted on the upperportion of the extension B and a fluid tight contact between the partsprovided by a gland nut K and packing K. A radial handle M, rigidlyconnected to the side of the casing, is used for effecting the relativeangular movement of the parts. The discharge orifices EC in thisembodiment are arranged as in Figs. 3 and 4 in six similar angularlyspaced groups with the orifices in each group arranged in radialalignment and each line of orifices differing in character from theorifices in the other lines of the group. In the construction shown allof the orifices are of circular cross section with the orifices insuccessive lines of each group increasing in cross sectional area. Astop member N is mounted on the under side of the face plate andarranged to extend downwardly between two adjacent blades F0 of the sixbladed fiow obstructing member. In the extreme position indicated inFig. 6 all of the orifices are in effect. As the casing AC is rotated ina clockwise direction as seen from below, the rows of orifices aregradually cut out until each blade covers a corresponding group. Duringthis clockwise movement, the character of the spray discharged will begradually varied from a heavy spray to a fine spray.

While in accordance with the provisions of the statutes, I haveillustrated and described the best forms of my invention now known tome, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that changes can bemade in the forms of the apparatus disclosed without departing from thespirit of my invention as set forth in the appended claims and that insome cases certain features of my invention may be Used to advantagewithout a corresponding use of other features.

Having now described my invention what I claim as new and desire tosecure by Letters Patent, is:

1. A shower bath spray head comprising a ell having a wall formed with amultiplicity of l spray orifices arranged in groups, the sprayorificesin different'groups-being ofdifiererit character, an imperforateflow obstructing member substantially in contact with one side of saidwall,

and means for relatively moving said member and said'wall to vary thenumber of said orifices --effectiv'e. v

adjacent groups being of different character, an

imperforate flow obstructing member substantially in contact with oneside of said wall, and

means for relatively moving said member and said wall to vary thecharacter of the orifices in effect. 1

3. A shower bath spray head'comprising a shell having a wall formed witha multiplicity of spray orifices arranged in angularly spaced groups,the

spray orifices in each of said groups being of different character, animperforate fiow obstructing member substantially in contact with oneside of said wall, and means for relatively moving said member and saidwall to vary the number of said orifices effective.

4. A shower bath spray head comprising a shell having a wall formed witha multiplicity of spray orifices, a fiow obstructing member having aplurality of angularly spaced fiat sectoral blades arranged in a planeparallel to the plane of said wall and substantially in contact with oneside thereof, and means for effecting a relative movement between saidmember and said wall.

5. A shower bath spray head comprising a shell having a circular wallformed with a multiplicity of spray orifices in sectors thereof, thespray orifices in different sectors being of different cross-sectionalarea, a fiow obstructing member having a plurality of angularly spacedimperforate sectoral blades arranged in a plane parallel to the plane ofsaid wall and substantially in contact with one side thereof, and meansconnected to said member for moving said member relative to said wall.

6. A shower bath spray head comprising a shell having a circular wallformed with a multiplicity of spray orifices in a plurality of angularlyspaced sectors thereof, a fiow obstructing member having a plurality ofangularly spaced imperforate sectoral blades arranged in a planeparallel to the plane of said wall and substantially in contact with oneside thereof, and means connected to said member for moving said memberrelative to said wall.

7. A shower bath spray head comprising a shell having a circular wallformed with a multiplicity of spray orifices in successive sectorsthereof, the spray orifices in adjacent sectors being of differentcross-sectional area, a flow obstructing memher having a plurality ofangularly spaced imperforate sectoral blades arranged in a planeparallel to the plane of said wall and substantially in contact with oneside thereof, means connected to said member for angularly moving saidmember relative to said wall to vary the discharge through said wall,and means limiting the angular movement of said member relative thereto.

8. A shower bath spray head comprising a shell having a circular openingat one end, a face plate closing said opening and having a multiplicityof spray orifices formed therein in sectors thereof, some of said sprayorifices being of different crosssectional area, a flow obstructingmember having a plurality of angularly spaced imperforate sectoralblades arranged in said shell in a plane parallel to the plane of saidface plate and substantially .in contact with the inner side of saidface plate, and means at the 'outer side of said face plate andconnected -to said member for moving said member relative to saidfaceplate.

9. -A :s'hower' bath spray head comprising a bell shaped shell having acircular opening :at its large end, a face plate normally closing saidopening and having a multiplicity of spray oriiber for moving saidmember relative tosaid plate to vary the :discharge there'through.

10. A shower bath spray head comprising a bell shapedlshell having awall -at its larger end formed with a multiplicity-ofspray orifices insuccessive sectors, the spray-orifices in adjacent secltors being :ofdifierent cross-sectional area, a flow (obstructing member having aplurality of :angularly spaced imperfo'rate sectoral blades arranged insaid shell in a plane parallel to the plane of said wall andsubstantially in contact with the :inner :side thereof, a handle at theouter side of said wall andconnected to said member .fior movingsaidmember relative to said wall, and means on the inner side of saidwall limiting the movement of said member relative thereto.

JAMES FRASER.

